Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Rabies Exposure Warning Issued After North Carolina Petting Zoo Cases
Some baby goats at a traveling petting zoo in North Carolina caught rabies.
Rabies is a serious disease that can spread from infected animals to people.
Four of the goats were euthanized after several goats tested positive.
Officials think the goats may have been exposed after a skunk entered their pen.
The skunk was removed, and the goats did not appear to have bite or spray marks.
People who touched or had contact with the goats between July 28 and August 27, 2026, may need preventive medical treatment.
This includes visitors to the main petting zoo and people at events held in other places.
Health officials are investigating whether there were additional exposure locations.
Anyone who may have had contact should call their local health department.
Four baby goats at Farm Adventures mobile petting zoo were euthanized after rabies cases were confirmed.
Officials said several goats tested positive at the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health.
A skunk entered the goats’ enclosure in late July, but no bites or spraying were observed.
People who interacted with the goats from July 28 through August 27, 2026, are urged to contact local health departments.
Potentially exposed visitors include people at Farm Adventures’ main site and off-site events across multiple counties.
- Who
- Several goats at Farm Adventures and people who may have interacted with them.
- What
- Rabies was confirmed in goats, prompting euthanasia of four baby goats and a public exposure warning.
- When
- Potential exposure occurred from July 28 through August 27, 2026; the cases were reported on Friday.
- Where
- At Farm Adventures’ main location and off-site events across multiple North Carolina counties.
- Why
- A skunk entered the goats’ enclosure, and the goats later became ill and tested positive for rabies.
- Affected facility
- Farm Adventures mobile petting zoo
- Confirmed by
- North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health
- Animals euthanized
- Four baby goats
- Potential exposure period
- July 28 through August 27, 2026
- Possible source
- A skunk entered the goats’ enclosure in late July
- Recommended action
- Potentially exposed people should contact their local health department about preventive treatment
- Investigation
- Officials are checking for other possible exposure locations